Hunting often brings together folks that don't get enough time throughout the rest of the year to spend with each other. Schedules being what they are, it can be difficult to make those connections with regularity. This was the case with John (from Connecticut) and Bruce (from Virginia), so it was great seeing friends since grade school hooking up once again. Sounded like this is a one shot deal for them to get together and hunt each year, and I was glad they gave me a call to help them out in pursuit of grouse and woodcock.

Due to a foot injury that Rudy suffered several days before, we had to make a call to the bullpen, so Greta saw her first action of the season. Much like Kirk Gibson coming off the bench to hit that homer in the world series some years back, Greta gamely returned to her playing field, the grouse woods. She did not disappoint! Quite a few points and some great dog work later, Bruce and John had harvested a woodcock and grouse, and Greta made a nice track of John's winged grouse.

The weather was chilly but sunny after several days of bad weather, so this probably helped get the birds motivated and moving around.

Recommended Reading:"The Complete Book of
Woodcock Hunting"
by Frank Woolner

An informative and exhaustive essay on woodcock. Includes how to hunt them, as well as the migratory habits of this fascinating upland bird.
2011 Season Tote BoardTime in the Woods: app. 161.0 hoursGrouse & Woodcock seen, heard, moved & otherwise molested: 522

Birds / Hour Avg.: 3.24/ Hr

Birds Taken: 34 grouse, 21 woodcock

Recommended Reading:"A Grouse Hunter's Almanac"
by Mark Parman

An entertaining look at grouse and why we hunt them. Lots of stories about our canine partners in this experience too, written from a Wisconsin perspective. A great primer for the upcoming season.
2010 Season Tote BoardTime in the Woods: app. 139.5 hours

Grouse & Woodcock seen, heard, moved & otherwise molested: 430

Birds / Hour Avg.: 3.08 / Hr

Birds Taken: 26 grouse, 21 woodcock

Recommended Reading:"Grouse Hunter's Guide"
by Dennis Walrod

A very informative and amusing take on why we are devoted to the pursuit of grouse. Lots of statistics back up the author's many claims. Thanks to Paul O'Neill for his recommendation!
2009 Season Tote BoardTime in the Woods: app. 108 hours

Grouse & Woodcock seen, heard, moved & otherwise molested: 320

Birds / Hour Avg.: 3 / Hr

Birds Taken: 17 grouse, 14 woodcock

Recommended Reading: "A High, Lonesome Call"by Robert Holthouser

I'm not just advocating this book because we sell it in the lodge - it's truly a beautiful depiction of going on a bird hunting odyssey out west.
But beware: read it and you may go ...